Avasimibe inhibits tumor growth by targeting FoxM1-AKR1C1 in osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare bone tumor with a high propensity for lung metastasis and poor patient outcomes. It is crucial to identify novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ARK1C1 staining was detected in OS specimens, and its clinical significance was assessed. A potential AKR1C1 inhibitor, avasimibe, was used to target AKR1C1. RESULTS: High expression of AKR1C1 was observed in OS and was associated with poor outcomes for patients with OS. Avasimibe was found to inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth by reducing the expression of AKR1C1 and FoxM1 in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that AKR1C1 is a promising prognostic factor and may serve as a novel therapeutic target of avasimibe for human OS.